PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Democrats have chosen their legislative leaders, selecting Rep. Jamie Smith and Sen. Troy Heinert to head their House and Senate caucuses.

Senate Democrats have also chosen Craig Kennedy as assistant leader and Reynold Nesiba as whip. In the House, Steven McCleerey will be assistant leader and Erin Healy and Oren Lesmeister will be whips.

Republicans control both legislative chambers. Earlier in November, House Republicans nominated Rep. Steven Haugaard to serve as House speaker and elected Rep. Lee Qualm to another term as their majority leader.

They also nominated Rep. Spencer Gosch to be speaker pro tempore and elected Rep. Arch Beal to be assistant majority leader.